Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Last season, on May 29, 2013, it was reported by Will Carroll from Bleacher Report that Chicago Cubs reliever Kyuji Fujikawa was a victim of the dreaded Tommy John surgery. He was out for the 2013 season. On April 14, 2014 he made his first start since the surgery in an extended spring training game. He called the trainer to the mound before leaving the game with an apparent injury. He hit the 60-day disabled list on May 3, 2014. On Monday, he had his rehab assignment transferred from Class-A Kane County to Triple-A Iowa.

Fujikawa gave up one run on two hits in one inning for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on Monday. That was his first rehab appearance for the Iowa Cubs as reported by Carrie Muskat. Fujikawa has allowed one unearned run in 5.2 innings between six appearances in the Rookie League and Class A. He has nine strikeouts and walked two batters over that span.

#Cubs Kyuji Fujikawa gave up 1R on 2 H in 1 IP for @IowaCubs Mon night in 1st rehab appearance for team
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 22, 2014

The 34-year-old has been in the Majors for only one year. He appeared in 12 games and pitched in 12 innings in the 2013 MLB season. He had a 1-1 record with a 5.25 ERA. He struggled and played through injury, which accounts for some of the poor numbers. Fujikawa may be a candidate for the Chicago Cubs closer role in 2015.